Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

“Modi’s China Visit: Asia’s New Strategic Quadrangle – Analysis” plus 22 more : Eurasia Review

---

• Modi’s China Visit: Asia’s New Strategic Quadrangle – Analysis
• Myanmar: Can Military And Ethnic Groups Reconcile? – Analysis
• From Romancing To De-Romanticizing The Dragon – Analysis
• Buddhist Education In Sri Lanka – Analysis
• India, Bangladesh Need To Deliver On Mutual Concerns – Analysis
• Deepening Democratic Norms Crucial For Self-Assured Ethiopian Foreign Policy – Analysis
• Rohingyas Refugees All Out At Sea – Analysis
• India-Afghanistan Relations: Balancing Old Ties And New Realities – Analysis
• Strategic Shifts Highlight Unequal Relationship Between China And Russia And Rivalry In Eurasia – Analysis
• Middle East And North Africa: Forcing China To Revisit Long-Standing Policies – Analysis
• Colossal Injustice Of Torture Victim Abu Zubaydah’s Ongoing Imprisonment – OpEd
• What Memorial Day Should Mean – OpEd
• The Morsi Death Sentence – OpEd
• India’s Modi Turns The Tables On China – Analysis
• Syria In Limbo: Neither Reunification Nor Partition Are Yet Possible – Analysis
• China Insists Communist Party Members Must Be Atheists
• Three Risks For China’s ‘Silk Road’ Investments In Greece – OpEd
• Spain Sees Record 16 Million Inbound Tourists To April
• Sri Lanka: Sirisena Says New National Security Plan To Be Formulated
• Islamic State: Lurking Dangers In India – Analysis
• India: Subdued Disturbances In Bihar And Jharkhand – Analysis
• Waiting For The Godot Of Nuclear-Free Mideast Conference – OpEd
• Iraqi Forces Failed To Fight For Ramadi, Says Pentagon’s Carter

Modi’s China Visit: Asia’s New Strategic Quadrangle – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 06:38 PM PDT By Evan A. Feigenbaum* Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China must be seen against the backdrop of an increasingly volatile Asia. The region’s geopolitics and economics are shifting rapidly, as security tensions intensify and countries, from China to Indonesia to India itself, struggle with structural adjustment and the need for growth-conducive reforms. For two decades, Asia has defied the gloomy predictions of those who believed its future would simply resemble Europe’s conflict-ridden... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Myanmar: Can Military And Ethnic Groups Reconcile? – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 06:36 PM PDT By Preet Malik* Myanmar will be holding its second election under the provisions of its 2008 constitution likely by November this year. President Thein Sein has led the reforms process that has adopted a three-pronged approach that covers the graduated progress towards democracy, the progressing of a peaceful settlement of the confrontation with the ethnic minorities, and transition from a centrally controlled economy to a market controlled and responsive economy. All the three pillars of the... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

From Romancing To De-Romanticizing The Dragon – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 05:18 PM PDT By Ramesh Thakur* The most critical and important bilateral relationship for the world is that between China and the US. The unipolar moment of the post-Cold War era has well and truly passed. The US capacity to determine regional outcomes even in Eastern Europe and the Middle East has visibly waned while the public bickering between the administration and the Congress further diminishes its global authority. In retrospect, the so-called US pivot to Asia was less an assertion of continuing US... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Buddhist Education In Sri Lanka – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 05:15 PM PDT The rich and sophisticated history of Sri Lanka spanning an approximation of two thousand five hundred years owes much of its origins to Buddhism. Though the country’s indigenous history dates back much further, it is commonly and persuasively argued that the ascend to a well organized and spiritually informed life in the island was marked with the introduction of Buddhism in 3rd century B.C.E. During its very lengthy life span in the island, Buddhism has successfully penetrated all aspects of... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

India, Bangladesh Need To Deliver On Mutual Concerns – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 04:59 PM PDT By Subir Bhaumik* India’s senior diplomat Rajiv Sikri once described Bangladesh’s as “our most important neighbour”. For the foreign establishment in Delhi, that is often obsessed with Pakistan and China, this was a timely reminder. Bangladesh is crucial to India’s Look East thrust because it is through that country that India can connect to its own northeastern states easily and then use that region to further connect to Southeast Asia and even south-western... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Deepening Democratic Norms Crucial For Self-Assured Ethiopian Foreign Policy – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 04:56 PM PDT By Alfredo Tjiurimo Hengari* Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country, and one of the 12 fastest growing economies in the world is heading to a general election on 24 May 2015. There is very little to suggest that the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), which came to power after a bloody civil war in 1991 should have much to worry about. At the last elections in 2010, the EPRDF romped to victory with 99.6% of the vote. Even with a less charismatic successor... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Rohingyas Refugees All Out At Sea – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 04:53 PM PDT By Obja Hazarika* On May 20, 2015, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand held a meeting regarding the plan of action on the status of thousands of starving Rohingyas who have been arriving on their shores in boatloads and being coerced away into the Andaman Sea. The Andaman Sea has thus become the home of thousands of Rohingyas who have taken to the waters to flee persecution in Myanmar and have not been welcomed into any of the neighbouring nations. The status of these Rohingyas, crammed in the... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

India-Afghanistan Relations: Balancing Old Ties And New Realities – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 04:09 PM PDT By Angira Sen Sarma* President Ashraf Ghani’s visit to India from April 27-29, 2015 did not result in major outcomes. Since Ashraf Ghani took office in September 2014, several Indian analysts have raised doubts about the future of India-Afghanistan relations. Pessimism about the relationship grew with Ghani choosing to visit China (in October) and Pakistan (November) in the region before visiting India. He also visited a number of other countries outside the region and came to India seven... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Strategic Shifts Highlight Unequal Relationship Between China And Russia And Rivalry In Eurasia – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 04:05 PM PDT Two events in May have confirmed strategic shifts by China and Russia. Both shifts simultaneously – and paradoxically – mark a strengthening of their ties, an uneven relationship and competition between them in Eurasia. On May 8, President Xi Jin Ping was the guest of honor at Moscow’s Victory Parade; a few days later, on May 11 China and Russia started their first joint naval drill in the Mediterranean Sea, which ended on May 21. Common interests China and Russia have much in common.... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Middle East And North Africa: Forcing China To Revisit Long-Standing Policies – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 03:54 PM PDT A scan of white papers on multiple foreign policy issues published by the Chinese government is glaring for one thing: the absence of a formulated, conceptual approach towards the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This is a part of the world that is crucial not only to Chinese strategic and economic interests but also to how tensions in the restless Muslim province of Xinjiang will develop. For much of the four decades of economic reform that has positioned China as one of the world’s... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Colossal Injustice Of Torture Victim Abu Zubaydah’s Ongoing Imprisonment – OpEd Posted: 25 May 2015 03:49 PM PDT It’s been some time since I wrote about Abu Zubaydah (Zayn al-Abidin Muhammad Husayn), one of 14 “high-value detainees” transferred from secret CIA prisons to Guantánamo in September 2006, beyond discussions of his important case against the Polish government, where he was held in a secret CIA torture prison in 2002 and 2003. This led to a ruling in his favor in the European Court of Human Rights last July, and a decision in February this year to award him — and another Guantánamo prisoner and... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

What Memorial Day Should Mean – OpEd Posted: 25 May 2015 03:44 PM PDT This Memorial Day we remember and honor our fellow citizens who were willing to defend our American liberties to the death. Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman was a leading proponent of ending military conscription, or the draft, because forced military service is incompatible with a free society. Thanks in no small part to his opposition, the United States ended the draft in the early 1970s. But Friedman’s contributions don’t end with economic policy or ending the draft. Friedman... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

The Morsi Death Sentence – OpEd Posted: 25 May 2015 03:42 PM PDT “The crackdown against the opposition is only intensifying and the judiciary is very much at the forefront of this crackdown.” -Shadi Hamid, Brookings Centre for Middle East Policy, YNet, May 23, 2015 It stands not merely as a stark obituary but a broader death sentence of the Arab Spring. The message is fundamental: whoever is voted in the aftermath of enthusiastic protest against authoritarian regimes in the North African and Middle East will be dealt a terrible blow. They will be condemned... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

India’s Modi Turns The Tables On China – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 03:37 PM PDT Modi demonstrates willingness to end border disputes, ease tensions and partner with China. By Harsh V. Pant* The three-day trip to China by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was rich in symbolism and atmospherics, but did little to remove the basic distrust tied to decades-long border dispute and mutual suspicion about their strategic objectives. Candid talk by Modi not only suggested that, despite growing economic cooperation India remained wary of China and would carry on his policy of... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Syria In Limbo: Neither Reunification Nor Partition Are Yet Possible – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 03:33 PM PDT By Vahik Soghom* for Syria Comment Is Syria headed toward some form of partition? Recent developments in the conflict give credence to a number of fears that have been making the rounds for quite a while now. The long-accepted observation that the Syrian army is growing increasingly unable to independently engage in military confrontations against a motivated enemy is becoming eerily palpable in Idlib and Palmyra. Along with painstaking losses of strategically significant territory, this... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

China Insists Communist Party Members Must Be Atheists Posted: 25 May 2015 03:06 PM PDT The ruling Chinese Communist Party has warned that any of its members who harbor religious beliefs or take part in religious activities could become the targets of its powerful disciplinary arm. In an opinion article published at the weekend, the newsletter of the party’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), said the problem of religious believers within party ranks is “attracting serious concern.” “The fact that a small number of party members have... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Three Risks For China’s ‘Silk Road’ Investments In Greece – OpEd Posted: 25 May 2015 08:08 AM PDT The Greek government’s recent decision to re-invite Chinese companies to participate in the bidding of the Piraeus port share has again caught the attention of the media to Chinese investment in Greece and Europe. Since it started in 2009, the Chinese state-owned company COSCO’s investments in Piraeus port has been growing fast. These include a 4.3 billion euro deal in 2009 to operate part of the port’s container terminal (pier II and pier III) for a period of 35 years, an extra 224 million... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Spain Sees Record 16 Million Inbound Tourists To April Posted: 25 May 2015 08:04 AM PDT Spain had a record figure of 16 million inbound tourists in the first four months of the year, an increase of 4.4% on the same period last year, according to the Spanish government. The United Kingdom, France and Germany accounted for 53% of total inbound tourists, with increases in all three emitting markets. However, the largest year-on-year percentage increases were in smaller markets such as Italy, the United States, Ireland, Belgium and Asian countries. All the autonomous regions posted... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Sri Lanka: Sirisena Says New National Security Plan To Be Formulated Posted: 25 May 2015 08:02 AM PDT Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena said he has instructed the Security Council to formulate a new National Security Plan considering the current situation of the country. The President was addressing Security Forces personnel after participating in an inspection tour at the Security Forces Headquarters in Welikanda yesterday (May 24). The President was received by Army Commander Major General Crisantha de Silva and several high rankers. President Sirisena said that attention will... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Islamic State: Lurking Dangers In India – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 08:00 AM PDT By Ajit Kumar Singh* After nearly six months of investigation in a case related to the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant , the National Investigation Agency (NIA), filed a charge sheet on May 20, 2015, before the NIA Special Court in Mumbai. According to the Agency, …the arrested accused Areeb Majeed along with his three co-conspirators, Saheem Tanki, Fahad Shaikh and Aman Tandel and few others entered into a criminal conspiracy, hatched by them between January 2014 to November 2014, to commit... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

India: Subdued Disturbances In Bihar And Jharkhand – Analysis Posted: 25 May 2015 07:56 AM PDT By Mrinal Kanta Das* A top ranking woman Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadre, identified as Sarita aka Urmila Ganjoo, was killed and another cadre was injured in an encounter with Security Forces (SFs) in the Gaya District of Bihar on May 17, 2015. Sarita was a member of the erstwhile Bihar-Jharkhand ‘special area committee’, which was replaced by the East Bihar Eastern Jharkhand Special Area Committee (EBEJSAC), and carried a reward of INR 1.5 million on her head. Acting on a... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Waiting For The Godot Of Nuclear-Free Mideast Conference – OpEd Posted: 25 May 2015 07:54 AM PDT It is now 20 years since the NPT Review Conference adopted a resolution that called for “the establishment of an effectively verifiable Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction, nuclear, chemical and biological, and their delivery systems.” Yet, despite extensive international support and a litany of resolutions and related initiatives by the regional states, progress on this issue has been stymied by the United States and a few other Western powers, who have time and again rushed... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.

Iraqi Forces Failed To Fight For Ramadi, Says Pentagon’s Carter Posted: 25 May 2015 07:49 AM PDT By Terri Moon Cronk Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant extremists took control of Ramadi last week when Iraqi forces failed to fight for the city and instead withdrew, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in an interview broadcast on CNN’s “State of the Union” program this morning. “What apparently happened is the Iraqi forces just showed no will to fight,” Carter told Barbara Starr, CNN’s Pentagon correspondent. Iraqi security forces must have the will to fight and defend themselves against... To continue reading this article, click on the headline.